Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these decadent treats effortlessly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for parties, holidays, or as a special homemade gift.
• No Baking Required – Enjoy the flavors of red velvet cake and cheesecake without needing an oven.
• Beautiful Presentation – The white chocolate coating and red drizzle make these bites visually stunning.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – These can be stored in the fridge or freezer for a convenient, ready-to-serve treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 15.25 oz red velvet cake mix
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 12 oz white almond bark
• ¾ cup red candy melts (optional for garnish)

Directions

Heat the Cake Mix:

1. In a medium heat-safe bowl, add the red velvet cake mix.
2. Microwave in two 30-second intervals, stirring well after each.
3. Let the cake mix cool completely before using.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:

4. In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a handheld mixer on medium-high speed for 1½ to 2 minutes, until smooth and creamy.

Incorporate the Cake Mix:

5. Sprinkle the cooled, dry cake mix over the cream cheese.
6. Mix until well blended.

Chill the Dough:

7. Cover the cheesecake dough tightly and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Form Cheesecake Balls:

8. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the cheesecake dough.
10. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Melt the Almond Bark:

11. In a heat-safe bowl, melt the white almond bark in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each until completely smooth.

Coat the Cheesecake Bites:

12. Roll each cheesecake ball in the melted almond bark, ensuring it’s fully coated.
13. Use a fork to lift the coated bite, tapping gently to remove excess.
14. Place the coated bites on the baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining cheesecake balls.

Optional Garnish:

15. Melt the red candy melts in a small heat-safe bowl using the same method as the almond bark.
16. Drizzle the melted candy over the cheesecake bites in decorative stripes.

Allow to Harden:

17. Let the coated cheesecake bites cool and harden completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 28

Variations

• Chocolate Coating: Swap the white almond bark for milk or dark chocolate for a richer taste.
• Different Drizzles: Use different colored candy melts for festive or themed variations.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the coating before it hardens.
• Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for a hint of extra flavor.
• Festive Sprinkles: Top with holiday sprinkles for a fun seasonal twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Place the bites in a single layer in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: Let frozen bites sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of cake mix?

Yes! Simply bake and crumble a red velvet cake, then measure out about 3 cups of crumbs to mix with the cream cheese.

2. How do I prevent the almond bark from hardening too quickly?

Work in small batches and stir the melted bark frequently to keep it smooth. You can also add a teaspoon of vegetable shortening to help maintain its consistency.

3. Can I use regular white chocolate instead of almond bark?

Yes, but white chocolate tends to be softer, so make sure to temper it properly for a smooth coating.

4. What can I use instead of red candy melts for garnish?

You can use dark chocolate, sprinkles, or even crushed red velvet cake crumbs.

5. Why do I need to microwave the cake mix?

Heating the cake mix helps kill any bacteria that may be present in raw flour, making it safe to eat.

6. Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting instead of cream cheese?

It’s not recommended, as frosting contains more sugar and a different texture that may affect the consistency.

7. How do I make the bites more firm for dipping?

Chill them longer or freeze them for about 15 minutes before dipping them in the melted chocolate.

8. Can I use food coloring to make the drizzle instead of candy melts?

Candy melts work best since they harden properly, but you can color white chocolate with oil-based food coloring.

9. How long do these need to harden before serving?

They usually harden within 30-45 minutes at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, you can refrigerate them for faster setting.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to work in batches when dipping to keep the chocolate smooth and manageable.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites are a delightful combination of creamy, rich, and indulgent flavors. With their stunning presentation and no-bake convenience, they make an excellent treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a sweet snack, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try them today and enjoy every delicious bite!

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